Rave about my son's school

Parents Forum
1

<p>I just wanted to put in a rave here.</p>

<p>I LOVE my son’s school!! Here is how things have gone since admission. </p>

<p>First, we had admitted student weekend. I think a lot of schools do that, but it was nice. Then, they had a day where they could come back and see the dorm room, register in person, and meet their roommate. I never thought my son would have the perfect roommate…but he does!! I mean, this guy is a great match! Both guy are even short (my son and his). They like all the same things, activities and such. Perfect fit! So that was a nice surprise. </p>

<p>Then, turning in paperwork for all the last second things went easy. We rarely waited in any lines. Everything was very smooth. When we didn’t have something right, we were always greeted by someone who was smiling and walked us through what we should be doing.</p>

<p>Then move in day, here is how it went. As we arrive in town, there are signs up saying the names of the dorms with big arrows. No question at all about where we needed to go. Then, we got to the drive for unloading at the actual dorm, and there were staff manning this. The one person leaned in and smiled and said hi to my son, calling him by name!! Then, she directed us to where to park. They did a great job keeping people moving through this drive so there never seemed to be a wait here. </p>

<p>My husband and I each carried up a box to my son’s door and told him to get signed in and get the key and we would just wait at his door with his things. We fully expected to be standing there a while. Nope! He was in the room within minutes! They just moved the kids right on through and got them their keys, no mess. We got in, unpacked. Finished carrying stuff up. It was very quick actually. His roommate was not there yet. My husband went down and moved the car. So within a half hour of arriving, we were wondering what to do next. We had planned the entire day for it. I suggested we head over to the student union and take care of bill paying and whatever else we have to do, we probably have a day of that ahead of us.</p>

<p>We arrive at the union, where signs directed us where to go. At the door of the large room (auditorium like) my son was given a sheet of paper with a check list of things to do. We were all given name tags and every step of the way, someone was smiling at us and calling us by names. We got in and out of that room, checking everything off within 10 minutes. It might have been less. We signed off at the health services, paid our bills, financial aid was there, got the student ID (those who needed could get their pictures taken, but he did that at room preview day) and at the end, they gave him a bag of goodies which included a shirt, a water bottle, etc. </p>

<p>That was it. We could have left, but well, I had hired a sitter for the whole day! So, for those who were wondering, no, I did not bring my breastfed toddler to jump on the bed and nurse all over campus! LOL </p>

<p>Anyway, we ate at the food service, who actually had decent food. My husband said the food must just be good because the parents were there but we had already been told by everyone it was always like that. Oh, and everyone in food service even would smile and ask us, in a very sincere way, “how are you doing today?” and look at us for an answer. Nothing dismissive. </p>

<p>After eating, we had to run to Target because son, when he loaded the car, forgot to put in his pillow or bedding. After Target, we sat there. It was only maybe 2.5 hrs after we arrived in town. I asked if maybe we should go, our son was happy for us to leave, we headed out.</p>

<p>Got home and compared stories with friends whose kids went to other schools. I heard about all day just trying to get a key to the room, standing in the heat, billing offices losing records, financial aid offices having issues, registration issues, issues getting in to rooms, IDs not working at the food service, book stores being out of books or being too crowded, or the books still being in the back in boxes, long lines everywhere, and even taking 2 days to process everything. We literally could have been out in less than an hour if we had not stayed to eat and go to Target. And the nicest part, everyone was happy and nice! The staff I mean. The other kids were nice of course, which is also great. But, enough with grumpy people! I love this college! If the next four years go anything like this, we are very good!</p>

<p>Anyway, just wanted to share.</p>

<p>Oh, and for those who don’t know, my son has really high functioning autism, but is very smart. Well, he has already made a bunch of friends, including a girl…so, that is a bonus. he is happy, we are happy.</p>

<p>Oh yes…and this is Austin College in Sherman Texas!</p>

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<p>Hardly fair to go on like that and not spill the name of the school! Inquiring minds want to know.</p>

<p>More seriously, though, I once had a job that had a similarly fantastic start. When it inevitably fell short of perfection, I was bitterly disappointed. I don’t want to rain on your parade, but I do hope you’ll be more realistic in your expectations than I was, and less devastated when the school turns out to be less than perfect. </p>

<p>Still, what a fabulous beginning! I’d feel really optimistic, too. Best wishes to your son.</p>

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<p>I am going to be cautious. I know that a great early start does not mean a wonderful ending. </p>

<p>Thanks for adding that though! I have found that when one expects too much, they will end up disappointed, even if everything else is great. If one expects little, they are pleasantly surprised when it turns out so well! Equal turn outs, just different expectations lead to different perceptions.</p>

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<p>To contradict my first post, we did have similarly warm and fuzzy feelings about my daughter’s college (American U.), and she got through freshman year with only minor (and foreseeable) bumps in the road.</p>

<p>So, here’s hoping!</p>

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<p>Congrats on an uber terrific launch lmk! I too have a LD kid and boy doesn’t it feel good when something works out better than planned! Parents that aren’t familiar with raising a special needs kid can’t fully appreciate that routine events are hardly ever “routine” for us.</p>

<p>Here’s to more terrificness for your DS, but do proceed with cautious optimism, things can get offtrack as the year progresses, but I’m sure you are taking advantage of your school’s assistance programs. I failed to do this the first year because my kid wanted to have a go at it on his own, bad idea haha but he’s on track now. Continued success!</p>

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<p>Nice to hear that everything went well for you, and especially for your son!</p>

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<p>Is your son registered with the disabilities office and is there a dean or advisor of some sort who is involved at all with helping your son thrive? It’s one thing to have a great system of greeting new students and parents and getting them keys. It’s another to provide longer term effective support, especially for kids on the spectrum.</p>

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<p>Such a great story! I have heard good things about Austin College. Best of luck to your son.</p>

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<p>Nice to hear a positive story. Thanks for sharing.</p>

<p>Here’s hoping there are more positive stories out there just like this one!</p>